Day trip

From Te Anau: Doubtful Sound Coach & Cruise

4.8  / 548 reviews
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Day trip
From Te Anau: Doubtful Sound Coach & Cruise
4.8  / 548 reviews
Likely to sell out

Travel to an untouched world in Fiordland National Park from Te Anau. Enjoy a cruise across Lake Manapouri, a short coach trip over Wilmot Pass, then discover Doubtful Sound on a magnificent cruise. Be on the lookout dolphins, fur seals and more!

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
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Duration 8.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Driver
English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

H
Holly – Australia

Great trip, filled with amazing information along the way. Warren our nature guide was very helpful and informative and we even got very close to some seals! He also had us all go silent to listen to the Fiordland and all its amazingness! very happy with the service all the way from start to finish, our bus driver Tony, was informative and funny! Josh taking us safely over to the dock on windy roads. and our bus driver on the way back to the ferry, give us a sneak peak at the power station, that he will hopefully one day get to go into! thank you to all!

H
Holly – Australia
J
Jenny – Australia

Although this was an expensive tour, we considered it good value as a the trip to Doubtful Sound was complex and the sights on the Sound were spectacular. Loved seeing all the wildlife and stunning gorges.

J
Jenny – Australia

Experience

Itinerary

  • Timeline stop icon

    Starting location:

    1 Lakefront Drive

  • Bus/coach

    (30 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Lake Manapouri

    Boat cruise (1 hour)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Wilmot Pass, Southland

    Scenic drive (1 hour)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Doubtful Sound

    Boat cruise (3 hours)

  • Wilmot Pass, Southland

    Scenic drive (1 hour)

  • Lake Manapouri

    Boat cruise (1 hour)

  • Bus/coach

    (30 minutes)

  • Arrive back at:

    1 Lakefront Drive

Main stop
Other stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Enjoy a peaceful cruise across the crystal-clear Lake Manapouri
  • Climb aboard a catamaran for a 3 hour cruise of the spectacular fiord
  • Learn about the region from your knowledgeable nature guide
  • Keep a lookout for dolphins, seals and even penguins
  • Take advantage of a licensed bar onboard, with snack options
  • Sit back, relax and we'll take care of the transport to the remote Doubtful Sound

Full description

Discover Doubtful Sound on a day trip from Te Anau and experience the remote wilderness of Fiordland National Park. Start your trip by journeying 30 minutes by coach through rolling countryside from Te Anau to Manapouri.From Manapouri, cruise across the picturesque Lake Manapouri, followed by a coach trip across the breathtaking Wilmot Pass. Enjoy some photo stops along New Zealand's most expensive (and majestic) road and admire the dense surrounding rainforest.  On reaching Deep Cove, board the Patea Explorer to begin the 3 hour cruise of the spectacular and remote Doubtful Sound. When it rains in Fiordland, the landscape is especially dramatic. Look out for waterfalls, rainforests, mountains and wildlife. Your knowledgeable nature guides will provide engaging and informative commentary throughout. Bring your own lunch, or purchase drinks and snacks on board in the vessel’s bar and cafe. At the end of your cruise, return over Wilmot Pass by coach and cruise across Lake Manapouri before the short coach journey back to Te Anau.

Includes

  • Return transport from Te Anau to Manapouri
  • Return Lake Manapouri cruise
  • Return short bus trip with commentary through Wilmot Pass
  • Live commentary
  • Drinks from the licensed bar on board (cash only)

Not suitable for

  • People with mobility impairments

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

RealNZ Visitor Centre, Lakefront Drive, Te Anau, New Zealand

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Important information

What to bring

  • Packed lunch
  • Insect repellent
  • Sunscreen
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Personal medication

Know before you go

  • Please note that during the survey the Patea Explorer will be substituted with another vessel
  • It is recommended to bring clothing and footwear for cool and wet weather
  • Due to the multi-leg journey and floating wharf access, guests will need to have a reasonable level of mobility

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 48 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.8/5
  • Transportation
    4.8/5
  • Service
    5/5
  • Organization
    4/5

Filter

By star rating

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H
Holly – AustraliaNovember 19, 2024  – Verified booking
Great trip, filled with amazing information along the way. Warren our nature guide was very helpful and informative and we even got very close to some seals! He also had us all go silent to listen to the Fiordland and all its amazingness! very happy with the service all the way from start to finish, our bus driver Tony, was informative and funny! Josh taking us safely over to the dock on windy roads. and our bus driver on the way back to the ferry, give us a sneak peak at the power station, that he will hopefully one day get to go into! thank you to all!
Helpful?
J
Jenny – AustraliaNovember 28, 2024  – Verified booking
Although this was an expensive tour, we considered it good value as a the trip to Doubtful Sound was complex and the sights on the Sound were spectacular. Loved seeing all the wildlife and stunning gorges.
Helpful?
T
Tony – New ZealandNovember 30, 2024  – Verified booking
very impressive bus drivers and the staff on the boats were brilliant made for a very enjoyable day
Helpful?

Product ID: 179876

Activity provider:RealNZ

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